Kannur: Jithin, a 26-year-old from Chelery in Kannur district of Kerala, had dreams of becoming a doctor, but those hopes were shattered by the war in Ukraine. Just a year away from completing his medical degree at Ivano-Frankivsk University, Jithin now drives an auto-rickshaw to support his family and repay the debts incurred for his education.
Jithin’s journey to becoming a doctor started with high marks in his 10th and Plus Two examinations. After failing to secure a seat in India despite appearing for the NEET exam, he decided to pursue his medical studies in Ukraine. He mortgaged his home and borrowed money from various sources, raising Rs 23 lakh to fund his education. Over the course of four years, Jithin completed eight semesters, passing each with good marks.
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However, the outbreak of war in Ukraine disrupted his education. Despite reassurances from the university that studies would continue, the situation worsened with a violent explosion in Ivano. The university was closed indefinitely, and Jithin, along with over 100 other Indian students, was forced to leave the country. He walked 10 kilometers at night to the airport, where he caught a special flight arranged by the Indian government to return home.
Upon returning, Jithin faced another setback – he was unable to pay the Rs 1.5 lakh required to obtain his semester certificates. This has left him unable to continue his studies elsewhere. His family struggles financially, with his father, T Jayan, suffering from illness, and his mother, T V Deepa, supporting the family through working as a maid. Jithin’s two elder sisters are married.
To make ends meet, Jithin learned to drive an autorickshaw and now pays Rs 300 a day as the vehicle rent. Though his daily earnings cover some expenses, the heavy debts he took for his medical education weigh heavily on him.
Published: 24 Dec 2024, 03:20 pm IST
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